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Scientists comment on a canal sinkhole at a canal in Shropshire.
Dr Jonathan Paul, Associate Professor in Earth Science, Royal Holloway, University of London, said:
“Sinkholes form where water percolates through permeable and soluble rock like limestone, slowly dissolving it. Over time, large cavities in the sub-surface may be created, which might eventually cave in to form the sinkhole.
In some cases, so-called “sinkholes” results from intense underground flooding from burst water mains.
It is very tough to predict to a reasonable degree of accuracy where and when sinkholes might form. This is because the flow of water through the ground is very poorly constrained, as well as the strength, porosity, and permeability (i.e. degree of fracturing) of the rock layers through which the water flows.”
Declared interests
Dr Jonathan Paul: “No COIs”